Punjab's first 'rail coach restaurant' opens at Pathankot station

Representational Pic/File

Punjab's first 'rail coach restaurant' was inaugurated at the Pathankot Cantt railway station on Tuesday, said railway officials, according to the PTI.

The restaurant has been set up under the concept of 'restaurant on wheels' or 'food on wheels' of the railways, said officials.

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Under this initiative, old train coaches are refurbished and converted into rail coach restaurants.

In this air-conditioned restaurant, passengers can enjoy food at the station itself at affordable rates, said officials, adding that this facility will be available 24 hours for rail passengers and the general public, and will provide them a unique experience, said the officials, reported the PTI.

It is the second such restaurant of the Ferozepur division of the Indian Railways.

The first 'rail coach restaurant' was inaugurated at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station.

Meanwhile, earlier in March, Old railway coaches turned into swanky restaurants will soon come up at Andheri and Borivli suburban stations, a first in Western Railway's (WR) Mumbai division.

"Restaurant-on-wheels with rail coaches have been finalised at Borivli and Andheri stations. While the one at Andheri will be in the east at Gate 10, the one at Borivli will also be in the east, at the north-end (Virar-end) of the station," Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Sumit Thakur said.

A restaurant-on-wheels is a modified coach mounted on rails, offering a unique fine-dining experience. It accommodates more than 40 patrons. The interior of the restaurant is decorated in such a way that diners can enjoy the experience of dining in a theme-based setting.

The restaurant is set up using an unserviceable rail coach. The rates and menu of the restaurant are decided by licensee as per market rates approved by Railways. Pan-Indian, continental and other cuisine is generally made available, and the restaurant is open for passengers and the general public as well.

The licensee is responsible for maintaining the approach corridor/surroundings at their own cost and is expected to comply with the Food Adulteration Act and other statutory laws. Keeping in mind the safety aspect, portable fire extinguishers will be installed and staff must know how to operate the equipment. The validity of the extinguishers shall be obtained from time-to-time and regular inspection will be done by railway officials.

(with PTI inputs)